10 Ways to Stop a Child From Shoplifting

Finding out that a child has been shoplifting is a shocking revelation for parents, even though unfortunately it is a relatively common one parents encounter. There are a variety of reasons why some children feel compelled to steal, and knowing what those reasons are and the factors that are influencing their behavior is the key to putting this type of behavior to an end. Here are some of the most common reasons children resort to shoplifting, and the most effective methods of combating it:

1. Explain Concepts Thoroughly – Very young children who take candy or small toys from a store almost always do so because they don’t have a clear understanding of the concepts surrounding buying and selling, only that of instant gratification. They want the candy or the toy, therefore they take it. Carefully explaining that taking things without paying is wrong will usually be enough to prevent repeated shoplifting incidents.
2. Help Develop Self Control – A lack of self-control is another leading cause for shoplifting in younger children; even if they have a vague comprehension that stealing is wrong, they may not be able to resist the impulse. Working with your child on developing impulse control and self-restraint is the best way to curtail the behavior.
3. Watch For Signs of Rebelliousness – Older children and teens often shoplift as an act of rebellion against authority. While some rebellious behavior is a normal part of growing up, acting out in illegal and potentially dangerous ways falls outside of the norm and should be taken very seriously.
4. Know Your Child’s Friends – When kids are forced to find a new group of friends, rebellious behavior like shoplifting or vandalism can be a form of initiation. The desire to fit into a certain group of people can influence even the strongest kid, causing them to succumb to peer pressure and engage in activities that they’d normally be otherwise against. Knowing who your child is spending time with and paying close attention to any other behavioral changes is essential to stopping these types of actions as quickly as possible.
5. Force Them To Return Objects – Upon discovering shoplifted items, accompanying your child to the store to alert a manager and return or pay for the item can be a valuable teaching tool. Younger children can gain a clearer understanding of society’s rules, while older children can be embarrassed enough to prevent recurrences. This will also help them learn that they are accountable for their actions.
6. Consider Counseling – If shoplifting has become a recurring problem for your child it could be caused by a more serious underlying problem, and it might be a good idea to look into counseling or therapy. A qualified professional can help you and your child get to the root of the problems that are causing the behavior.
7. Carefully Choose Punishments – When punishing a child for shoplifting it’s important to choose punishments carefully. Physically punishing a child is one of the least effective forms of punishment and will only make them more angry and prone to continuing rebellion. This type of punishment should be avoided at all costs.
8. Don’t Accept Excuses – Explaining to your kids that there’s no acceptable excuse for taking things without paying for them is another way of curbing such behavior. Children who think that they can talk their way out of trouble might be tempted to steal again, whereas those who know their parents have a zero tolerance policy are more likely to think twice before shoplifting an item again. Children need to learn accountability early on so that they don’t thi
9. Explain Legal Ramifications – Even teenagers who have a clearer understanding of the law may not realize the possible penalties for stealing. Explaining that the possibility of being forced to spend time in juvenile detention is a very real one might be enough to scare most teens straight.
10. Contact the National Association of Shoplifting Prevention – The NASP sponsors the Honest to Goodness Project, whose goal is educating young people about shoplifting and the associated dangers. Classes and services for parents of repeat shoplifters and kids with a history of stealing are available. Sometimes outside support is exactly what’s needed to help end this type of behavior.

Taken From Live-In Nanny